Saturday, August 25, 2012

Waiting for Winter Mittens



Hi Knitters,
The winner of The Stella Collection is JerseyShoreDeb (rav id)! Congratulations to Debby and thank you to everyone who entered. I have another giveaway coming up that includes lots of yarn and lots of books. Stay tuned for that.

I have to share the mittens I finished yesterday. They are incredible if I do say so myself. I knit them from 150 yards of my handspun yarn from Dyeabolical roving in the Themyscira colorway. You can read all about the yarn by clicking right here.



I started and restarted these mittens many times over. I couldn't get them quite right at first due to the gauge and the handspun yarn. Finally, I settled on US size 6 needles which knit up the handspun at 4.5 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch. The handspun is definitely a worsted weight.


Really, these are just about perfect. The fit is the best, the fabric is dense and squishy, which is perfect for warmth, and the colors in the yarn make a gorgeous pair of mittens.

I love these mittens!


I am working on a new mitten pattern that will have 3 sizes, small, medium and large, and can be used with any worsted weight yarn. This handspun pair fits me and it is in the medium size. I am going to knit a couple of more pairs, one in Noro Kureyon and the other in Fresh Isle Fibers watermelon striping worsted. I'll share along the way.

Now I'm just waiting for winter.....

Have a super weekend, Knitters.
best, susie

28 comments:

Jersey Shore Deb said...

Wow, so excited that I won the Stella Collection!! Thanks, Susan! And your mittens are beautiful. Almost makes me look forward to winter!

quiltcontemplation blogspot said...

Love the mittens. My spinning wheel is sadly under used. beautiful . there is something very satifying about knitting simple mittens. I also love the colors in the hat on your page.

pens and needles said...

That yarn really reminds me of Kureyon -- love the looks of your mittens and would be interested in the pattern -- multiple sizes would be great!

Sarah said...

Super pretty mittens, Susan!

Ruth Colville said...

Those are beautiful mittens. I love the yarn colors. One can almost sense the "coziness" from the photo. Looking forward to the pattern release.
R

Sally said...

Beautiful mittens!!!!

Judi said...

Very pretty mittens. Almost makes me want to again live where I need to wear mittens - almost :-)

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Winter? WINTER is coming???

Dianne@sheepdreams said...

It's been so miserably hot here, I can't wait for mitten wearing weather! There's something extra special about handspun things you can wear and enjoy every day. Love the way the colors shift.

Deborah said...

Hello.
I love the mittens! The colors are pretty. I really enjoy knitting mittens. Looking forward to hearing more about your mitten pattern.

Brandi Schoch said...

reminds me that I need to finish my angora thrummed fingerless mitts before winter

VickiMurphy said...

Where can we get the pattern for your beautiful mittens! Had such good luck with your sock pattern. My first pair of socks ever! I can't wait to start on these;)

Anonymous said...

That's adorable mittens. Now I want the pattern! Don't make me wait too long for it!

debbie1085

Dorothy said...

I absolutely love them!

Kim said...

I agree with everyone, these are gorgeous! Well done!

treblemaker

cockney blonde said...

Love these mittens. The colours are just fabby. Bright and cheery ready for winter, x

Anonymous said...

Love the mittens &'the yarn. Just beautiful!! Can't wait for theaters!

Suzanne said...

I can't wait to see the watermelon mittens!

Laura said...

With beautiful mittens like that I could *almost* look forward to winter. The colours turned out beautifully!

LoriAngela said...

Mittens, for me, are the symbol of love (cold hands...) I have collected some yarns for mittens for. I should treat myself as you have.

Deb said...

Beauitful Susan, I have never made mittens but would love to try. I am sure you would take the "Fear" out of making them. Hope it is a Craftsy workshop or a video class so we can all learn!

Deb said...

They are beautiful Susan! Hope you create a wonderful pattern for first time mitten makers like me:). I am sure Craftsy would make a great video class too, which would be a good seller.
Fall is coming can't wait!!!!

ypsiknitti said...

The mittens are so beautiful that I will have to forgive you for using the "w" word on this beautiful, I know that since the days are getting shorter and classes have started, it won't last long SUMMER day. Enjoy your Sunday and the rest of the week. I am working on my second Little Pumpkin hat. I just gave one to a mom who is expecting a baby. Now that the semester has started, it will go much more slowly.

Anonymous said...

These are just beautiful!
Anne Himes

Sara said...

Now, I love mittens, too, Susie, but I'm not hoping to need them anytime soon! Can't wait for the pattern, though...
Sara

Unknown said...

I have many worsted weight yarn. so please release the pattern so I can use up my stash. :)

KathyTNY said...

I LOVE how warm handknit mittens are. I have never knit a pair of mittens but my Aunt (before she lost her sight) use to make mittens for my family (including me). I still wear the pair she made over 10 years ago. I really need to make my own pair. I am scared of the thumb (I do knit socks). You are inspiring me.